Nice review, and the FX700 is also my favorite universal out of all of the universals I have ever heard - despite not owning it anymore. With that said (I use to go round and round with average_joe and others regarding the SM3), I believe there is no king in universal IEMs. There is certainly, however, a high court of royalty when it comes to universal IEMs. The FX700 sits up there proudly with the SM3, SM2, SE535 and other top tier I have heard. So it really comes down to each individual's sound signature preference. Of course, this is just my opinion, and again, the FX700 is my favorite universal IEM ever (so far). Very nice review indeed.

Nice review, and the FX700 is also my favorite universal out of all of the universals I have ever heard - despite not owning it anymore. With that said (I use to go round and round with average_joe and others regarding the SM3), I believe there is no king in universal IEMs. There is certainly, however, a high court of royalty when it comes to universal IEMs. The FX700 sits up there proudly with the SM3, SM2, SE535 and other top tier I have heard. So it really comes down to each individual's sound signature preference. Of course, this is just my opinion, and again, the FX700 is my favorite universal IEM ever (so far). Very nice review indeed.

you got me interested :) my first foray into the world of really good dynamic IEMs was the Monster Miles Davis Tribute. If these are "better", then I already want an audition. I am a bit of a detail/timbre/realism freak too having owned a pair of customs, "anaemic-sounding" IEMs (tongue in cheek!) as well as a scattering of electrostats. Few IEMs can combine visceral, well controlled bass with a natural, detailed sound.

EDIT: how is the cable? it doesn't look like it'll last more than a few years of daily use :S

The MD Tributes are very nice as well but the sound is less defined. The FX700 is in another league for detail, separation and timbre and sound more neutral than the MDs, without sacrificing musicality.

The MD Tributes are very nice as well but the sound is less defined. The FX700 is in another league for detail, separation and timbre and sound more neutral than the MDs, without sacrificing musicality.

I don't know if it is true but I've heard the Monster Turbine line in general has slower bass, which leads to less instrument separation and a more blended sound. I have no idea if that is accurate but I've heard the complete opposite of the JVC's. I'm really looking forward to receiving mine; hopefully one day this coming week.

Edit: The MD's would interest me if someone can confirm what I've read/heard previously is incorrect.

I don't know if it is true but I've heard the Monster Turbine line in general has slower bass, which leads to less instrument separation and a more blended sound. I have no idea if that is accurate but I've heard the complete opposite of the JVC's. I'm really looking forward to receiving mine; hopefully one day this coming week.

Edit: The MD's would interest me if someone can confirm what I've read/heard previously is incorrect.

You are correct about the more blended sound, though I can't remember the speed of the bass. As mentioned earlier, the JVC's take sound staging and instrument separation and imaging to a different level.

I have a pair of FX700s on the way from Pricejapan right now. I'm really looking forward to comparing them to my MDTs. My only previous quality IEMs were the UM3X and RE0. The MDTs sound far more lively and musical than either of those IMO. If the FX700s sound better than the MDTs, which i'm led to believe they do, then that'll be just great. I'm looking for a Sony X1060 to partner them. I doubt my Rockbox'd Clip+ and iPhone 4 will really do them justice.